WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING AIX-EN-PROVENCE (from a local)

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING AIX-EN-PROVENCE (from a local)

[Music] If you’re planning a trip to the south of France, you need to put Exxon Provence on your list. But before you hop on that plane, I am somebody who has lived here for the past 5 years. So, I thought I’d give you a few pointers. So, here’s everything you need to know before visiting X from somebody who actually lives here. From markets, lavender, what to wear, how to stay connected, and even my favorite hidden terrace. This is your guide to Exxon Provence. Let’s start with one of the most charming parts of life here, the markets. X has a market every single day, but the main markets take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and they start around 8:30 a.m. You’ll find them all over the city center. One that has produce, one that has fresh flowers, and another that has antiques and clothing. The one that takes place every single day is located in Plaster Shelm. It is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee, choose from one of the many terraces that surround the market. Just sit back under the plain trees, and enjoy the slower pace of life here. After your coffee, browse the stalls for fresh seasonal produce. It’s a ritual I have grown to love. Now, if you’re here on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you’re in for the big market days. They completely take over the city center. Just around the corner from Plm, you’ll find the flower market in Plast Deville. It’s honestly like walking through a painting. Bright colored flowers everywhere. And if you’re lucky, you might spot an artist capturing the scene with their brush. Then head over to Plast Peshure for another large produce market. This is where I get my favorite olives. And finally, make your way down Core Mirabau where you’ll find an array of linen clothing, provenal tablecloths, artisan goods, and sometimes antiques. If you want that magical local feel, definitely go early. If you wait until later in the morning, it’s still beautiful, but expect bigger crowds. The markets close up shop at 1:00 p.m. Now, a lot of people don’t realize this, but X is tiny. You can walk the whole historic center within just a day, but that’s part of its charm, but it’s also why it can feel really crowded during peak tourist season. So, if you want the sunshine without the crowds, make sure you plan your trip for April or May, or this may be my favorite time of year, September. The weather is perfect, restaurants are open, and you’ll actually have space to breathe. Avoid June through August if you don’t love intense heat and packed streets. X gets really hot, like really hot. Provence in the summertime is no joke. Temperatures often reach 95° F, so skip the heels. Bring your breathable fabrics. Think linen, cotton, and of course, your summer dresses. Also, if you’re booking an Airbnb, make sure they have air conditioning, especially in June, July, and August because trust me, you are going to feel the heat. One quick but important tip, stay connected. Wi-Fi can sometimes be a bit spotty in the old town or even on trains. So, a quick pause to share something that’s made a big difference in our past few trips, and I know it will help you here on your visit to the south of France. We used it when we went back to visit my family this past December, and it honestly made staying connected so easy. No hunting for SIM cards and no dealing with those long lines at the airport kiosks. You just install it once and you’re good to go. What’s great is their Discover Plus eSIM. It gives you coverage in over 130 countries with calls, texts, and data, all from one number. You can track your usage, top up any time through the app. And the best part, you don’t need a different eim for every country. Just one and you’re set for the year. So, if you’re planning a trip, big or small, install Aerolo today for free and use my code SAM F3 for $3 off your first eim. It’s linked at the top of the description and I will make sure to pin it in the comments for you. Thank you so much, Arlo, for sponsoring today’s video. Now, let’s talk about Sundays. Everything is mostly closed, but in peak tourist season, more restaurants and cafes will stay open. I personally love Sundays. I think it’s great to explore the city. There’s less crowds, and you get to really take in the vibe of the city. You can sit on a terrace, enjoy a drink, people watch. But if you plan on coming to X to do some shopping, I would avoid visiting on a Sunday. Speaking of terraces, one of my favorite hidden spots in X is Hotel Dumo. You can’t see it from the street, but if you walk through the gallery entrance, you’ll find this peaceful little oasis. Enjoy lunch or a sweet treat in the garden. And they also host rotating art exhibitions, which are always worth checking out. Now, Lavender. I know you want to see it. Everybody does. But just a heads up, you’re going to have to head out of the city to see these gorgeous, gorgeous lavender fields. One of the easiest and most beautiful spots to visit in X is Terugo. It’s a peaceful, familyrun lavender farm just a short drive away, and you can walk through the lavender fields, take photos, or even picnic among the flowers. They even host little apparos. It’s a really really beautiful place to see the lavender. Lavender blooms from late June to mid July and the window is short. So if seeing the fields in full color is a must for you, definitely plan your dates around that. With that said, even if you’re not here during peak lavender season, you can still enjoy it in other ways. Markets and boutiques sell lavender honey, handmade soaps, scented sachets, and lotions. All locally made and perfect to bring a little provenance back home with you. If you’re spending a couple of days in X, I recommend exploring outside of the city. There are a few places that feel like a breath of fresh air, quite literally. First, Chateau Lacost. It’s not just a vineyard, though. The wine alone is worth the visit. It’s also an open air contemporary art museum set in the middle of rolling vineyards and olive trees. You can do a wine tasting, wander the art and architecture trail, or just enjoy a long lunch on the terrace. It is definitely a mustsea. And then there’s Montana Victtoire. If you’ve seen a Saison painting, then you have seen this gorgeous mountain. It was his muse. You can hike it or just admire it from afar, but either way, it is the symbol of X. There are several trails from more relaxed walks to more advanced hikes with panoramic views of the region. Just make sure you bring your water and go early, especially in the summer. X is full of fountains, hidden courtyards, and little surprises. My best advice is just wander. Don’t over plan. Just walk through the streets and simply take it all in. Oh, and always make a restaurant reservation, even for lunch. X is small, so tables fill up fast. And if you’re not able to make it to Provence, I have hundreds of videos on this channel for a little virtual escape. So, make sure you subscribe and follow along as I share my life here in the south of France. So, there you go. Everything I tell a friend before their first visit to Exxon Provence. If you’re planning your own trip, don’t forget to download Aero. It will save you so much stress. And let’s be honest, it’s 2025. We all need data. So, use my code SAM F3 to save yourself $3. And that does it for today’s video. I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Exxon Provence. Sayi [Music]

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Planning a trip to Aix-en-Provence? Here’s everything you need to know from a local who’s lived here for 5 years.
In this video, I’ll give you some tips for your upcoming trip to Aix-en-Provence, including must-see markets, when and where to see lavender, what to pack, how to stay connected, and even my favorite hidden terrace and day trips just outside the city.
📍 Featured in this video:
* Best market days & locations in Aix
* Where to see lavender near Aix (like Terre Ugo)
* What to know about Château La Coste & Sainte-Victoire
* Packing tips for Provence’s summer heat
* How to get data in France easily with Airalo (use code SAMF3 to save $3)
💌 Can’t make it to France just yet? I’ve shared hundreds of vlogs on life in Provence, perfect for a little virtual escape. Be sure to subscribe and come along with me for more.

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